The Black Cats had apparently agreed a fee with Spurs for the 29-year-old midfielder, whose first-team opportunities at White Hart Lane have been limited in recent seasons.

Andre Villas-Boas's appointment as manager has not changed Jenas's place in the Spurs pecking order and with a move for Joao Moutinho imminent, the former England international has been told that he is free to leave the Lillywhites.

Martin O'Neill had hoped to add Jenas to his list of summer recruits, either permanently or on loan, but the transfer is now off, according to Sky Sports News.

It is rumoured that Jenas is holding out for a loan move to a London club, with Fulham and Queens Park Rangers believed to be interested.